Kamakura enjoys a mild climate, characterized by the absence of extreme heat or extremely cold days. This favorable climate is attributed to Kamakura's geographical location. The city is surrounded by forests on three sides, and on the fourth side, it faces Sagami Bay. Temperature typically ranges from +25°C to +30°C during the warm season and between +5°C and +10°C in the cold season.
The rainy season in Kamakura, like the rest of Japan, occurs from mid-June to mid-July, coinciding with the opening of Kamakura's beach season. Even during these seasonal downpours, Kamakura, the ancient capital of Japan, has its own unique charm.
With the onset of the rainy season, Kamakura is adorned with hydrangea blossoms, which serve as the city's symbol and can be spotted almost everywhere. Particularly, Kamakura's temples like Gongoro, Hasedera, and Meigetsu-in are abundant with hydrangea blooms throughout the six to seven weeks of their flowering season. These temples' pathways are adorned with vibrant pink and purple clusters of hydrangea flowers. Hence, visiting Kamakura during the rainy season is a worthwhile experience.
Vegetation and animal life
The vegetation in Kamakura is extremely rich. The city lies at the junction of Japan's vegetation zones. There are conifers, spruces, pines and cypresses as well as deciduous trees. Tropical fruit trees and a wide variety of flowering trees and shrubs can be found in Kamakura.
And, of course, sakura, the jewel of Japan's flora, is widespread here. The largest number of sakura trees in Kamakura is in Genjiyama. During its blooming season, in March and April, many visitors flock to the park, not only tourists but also the Japanese themselves. For the latter, the cherry blossom is a sacred moment, and the Japanese try to observe it to the fullest.
Another symbolic flower of Kamakura is the hydrangea. It blooms in June and July, during the rainy season. Hydrangea plantings are especially abundant at Kamakura's temples.
The wildlife in Kamakura is primarily birds. Crows and hawks fighting on the beach for a piece of sandwich taken from tourists is a common occurrence. Crabs, lizards and other small animals can also be found in Kamakure. Fish are plentiful in Sagami Bay, especially west of Kamakura in the vicinity of Koshigoe Beach.
